10.30.2008

Looking for a reason other than the obvious to vacation in Orlando?While the children will be plenty happy enjoying Disney World, Epcot, Sea World, Universal and the likes, what will Mom and Dad look forward to?

Never fear, for Orlando has an abundance of fine restaurants.Just in the DisneyVillage, you’ll find over 150 restaurants ranging from Asian to Mexican sprinkled with some fast food in there.But that’s not all the Orlando area has to offer, that’s just a scratch on the surface.There’s over another 100 restaurants in the downtown area and much much more.

While you are planning your vacation in the area, look for Orlando vacation homes.You can save up your money for the good eats by finding the right priced stay.You won’t be disappointed by the myriad restaurants you can enjoy while staying in the area.

For some truly great suggestions on where to eat in the area, look at the Fodor’s Guide choices.

12.29.2006

Coolest Thing Since The Internet

Okay not really but its pretty a niftyidea. An idea from the Hilton's that is much better than letting Paris sing. Homewood Suites by Hilton Hotels is doing something pretty revolutionary in terms of staying in hotels. More specifically is booking a room. Everyone is used to the idea of booking a room online. Normally you get to choose the dates you want to stay and maybe the size of the bed. Well according to the Hotel Industry News Hilton plans on making it so you can choose the specific room you want to stay in.

This seems to be a great idea that has been missing for far to long. I was a volunteer firefighter and do not like staying above the 6th story in a hotel (100 foot ladders can only go up to the 6th floor because of the angle that they are placed at). Plus I like being close to the emergency exit. All of this my wife hates because it makes checking into a hotel a nightmare for her. Well now I can choose the specific room I want including its location in the building and its floor plan.

I was recently staying at a hotel, that shall remain nameless ... but rhymes with Sheraton, in the Denver Tech Center. I had a king suite. Normally a fairly big room. Little did I know that I would be staying in the corner room that has a curved exterior wall which effectively cut the room size by about half. I felt like I had to crawl over the bed to get to the desk. In early 2007 that won't be a problem with the Homewood Suites.

8.28.2006

Wedding in Providence Rhode Island

My brother finally tied the knot in Providence last weekend and my family and I raced to the east coast for the big event. Since he and his now “wife” have been dating for nearly 9 years, we were all wondering if they would strap on the ole' ball and chain. They both attended Brown University, so having the wedding in their college chapel was a first choice for the couple. The ceremony was emotional (this coming from a guy!) the reception a blur (haha) and an overall great time was had by all.

Since this was a special occasion, we decided to splurge a little on lodging. We stayed at this fantastic Providence Rhode Island Bed and Breakfast in the heart of downtown, but with a country, cozy feel. As with any bed and breakfast, the true test is indeed the morning meal. This place passed the test and could accommodate even the most finicky of children's taste buds. Great culinary confections to be had!Providence is an amazing city to walk around. I can't say I've ever had a reason to visit this place, and never did until the special event took place here. However, spending 2 extra days here proved a most stimulating experience. History and culture are alive here - we took some great sights. We even took a day trip to Narragansett Bay, and relaxed as we watched the sailboats breeze by.

8.11.2006

A Brief Madison Wisconsin Jaunt

Since my niece attends UW-Madison and is staying in the cheese head state over the summer, we thought we'd take a trip to see her. As with most college students, living in a dorm doesn't provide a lot of room for guests, so we made arrangements to stay at this Madison hotel. It was wonderful for a family of four. We reserved a 2-bedroom suite and it had a fully equipped kitchen and HUGE breakfast daily. Our niece even joined us for a few of those. They also had this fairly large backyard that we grilled out at and, of course, an indoor pool that usually occupies my kids for hours. The hotel was kid friendly, the staff was accommodating, and it was an overall terrific lodging experience.

Did I get fishing in? Of course! The Midwest lake region might be full of mosquitoes at night, but the fishing is great during the day. I caught 4 northern pike and some walleye on Lake Monona. This lake is your typical freshwater fisherman's paradise. We also made a visit to Devils' Lake State Park, a 45 minute drive, and did some amazing hiking. The scenery is spectacular; 500 ft cliffs and a great lake for swimming.

Bridges Golf Course also provided me with some great golf. Their 18 holes of authentically landscaped greenery was amazing, although it did start to rain a bit, it didn't stop my wife and I from finishing our game. My niece was spending time with our kids that day, so it was nice to have time to ourselves. They did meet us back at the course for this amazing fish fry dinner. You must try it if you are ever in Madison.

7.10.2006

Vail Colorado, well known for the great skiing in the winter offers a great vacation in the summer sometime with much lower prices. There are great golf courses in the area, challenging hiking and mountain biking trails and summer events.

Since June, regular wild flower walks in the area have been available with the folks at the Vail Nature Center. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from June 26th through August 18th take a hike. Wildflowers abound in the summer high country and the leisurely one-hour walk will help you identify many of the flowers you see on your hikes in the area.

If beavers are more your idea of fun and you would like to see them at work then join the Nature Center in the evenings on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at dusk to lean about this industrial animal. Then, after the beaver hunt (Tuesdays only) you can enjoy toasted marshmallows and stories of woodland adventure by a warm campfire. Stroll along trails looking for owls and other night creatures and then head back to the camp for s’mores and story telling.

Book your trip with a stay in a Vail vacation home rental so that you can come and go as you please and feel like you have a home away from home.

5.29.2006

Family Vacation in Bend Oregon

Bend, Oregon is a small community that delivers big on adventure and excitement. While in the area, you should take the time to visit a national monument. Created in 1990, the Newberry National Volcanic Monument includes 50,000+ acres of lava flows and spectacular geological features. At the summit of the Newberry Volcano you can find two alpine lakes stocked with salmon and trout. Newberry is both seismically and geothermally active and throughout the area visitors can see many cinder cones, miles and miles of basalt flows and rhyolite flows of obsidian.

Check the website before going as they are working on upgrading much of the visitors center and some access might be restricted. Also be sure to check for the areas that need a Recreation Pass - around 17 in all.

The Lava Lands opens weekend of May 3rd through to the fall. Newberry Caldera Contact Station opens May through October 1st. And the Lava River Cave opens May 24th (Weds - Sun) and then is open through to October. Again, check the website as opening times and days change in the summer months.